Kocaali Dried Dates Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Kocaali Date Raisin is a dried fruit made using a traditional geographical production method from the unripe fruit of the Trabzon date, which is also referred to as Trabzon date, paradise date, paradise fruit, or Mediterranean date. Its scientific name is Diospyros kaki L. in Turkey. When these date fruits fully ripen, their interior becomes fibrous and turns brown. Therefore, it is preferred to harvest the fruits for drying before they reach full maturity. At this stage, the fruit has an orange color and a tart flavor. Kocaali Date Raisin values artisanal methods throughout its production process and maintains a strong link to its specific geographical origin. Regarding its characteristics, the product has a dry matter content between 5-7%, a dark brown color with various shades, a wrinkled surface texture with a powdery look, and a sweet taste. Production Method: Preparation of Kocaali Date Raisin For producing Kocaali Date Raisin, unripe fruits from the Fuyu and Hachiya varieties of Trabzon dates, which are typically cultivated in areas suitable for drying, are chosen. Fruit Preparation for Drying: The fruits destined for drying are picked between mid-October and mid-November, before reaching full ripeness. It is crucial to select fruits with skins that remain uncolored and show no signs of softening. Because these fruits are not fully mature, they possess a firm texture and a tart flavor. As the fruit’s color darkens, the peel thins and becomes more translucent, while the interior develops a jelly-like consistency. For drying, the fruit must have its stem intact to be tied properly. Therefore, care is taken during harvest to avoid breaking the stems. The stems of the harvested fruits are trimmed into a T-shape using garden shears or similar tools. After the peeling process, the fruits are arranged for drying by being tied in series with food-grade strings. After peeling, the dates are threaded onto food-grade strings of varying lengths, depending on the hanging location. These strung fruits are then briefly dipped in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Once removed from the hot water, the dates are ready to be hung for drying. They are suspended in warm rooms or areas with adequate air circulation. During drying, it is essential to prevent the fruits from becoming wet, so places sheltered from harsh weather conditions like rain are preferred. For effective drying, the surface of each date must be fully exposed to air without touching other dates or surfaces. Kocaali Date Raisin undergoes drying in protected, breezy, and cool environments for approximately 30 to 45 days. Alternatively, drying can be done in closed warm rooms heated to 28-35°C for 4 to 5 days. Additionally, drying may be performed using cabin systems where temperature and humidity are precisely controlled through technology. Kocaali Date Raisin can be stored for up to one year in cool, dry places that are shielded from direct sunlight and free from odors. The product is delivered to consumers either in bulk or in packages, all labeled according to the relevant regulations.